My father was a medic in Vietnam. He saw things no one could imagine. He lost his wife soon after returning. She could not deal with the attitude he developed.
When we were younger he used to run 4 miles every morning before work. Gradually his heart began to weaken. The running stopped. The heart attacks started and the diagnosis of an enlarged heart and Congestive heart failure followed soon after.
In 2000 he was equipped with a pace maker after being told his heart only worked at 16%. A few years later the VA installed a defiberlator. This year the diagnosis of Ischemic Heart disease was added and recognized as an effect of agent orange.
After over 40 years of living with ptsd and heart disease my father was finally being treated as a Veteran.
Why it has taken so long for these veterans to receive care and honor misses me. These men fought and served their country and came home to a not so happy crowd. They were ridiculed and denied benefits other war vets were basking in. The y fought harder for survival and continue to fought as a result of agent orange. I honor them whenever I see them with a welcome home greeting and its time they received their heroes welcome. Until then I salute you and thank you for your service and example of survival.
Welcome Home
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